About this project

$510,590

pledged of $250,000 goal

3,169

backers

Tony Hawk came by the Arx Pax lab recently to check out the Hendo Hoverboard. His smile says it all.

Fire. The wheel. Sliced bread. The microprocessor. Transformative inventions and discoveries that changed lives. And now, ideally, our Arx Pax Maglev technology. We've just found out that the Hendo Hoverboard is one of Time magazine's 25 Best Inventions of 2014. We're thrilled to share and happy you're a part of it. Thank you.

Our engineering team has been amazing, rapidly iterating on design after design. In fact, this our 18th prototype, and we continue to make advances week after week.

The hoverboard is simultaneously fascinating and exhilarating. The enabling technologies existed, but no one had yet been able to align them to bring a hoverboard forth. Hendo has done so, and our hoverboards are working in almost every way we could have imagined. But perfecting it will take a little more time and resources.

The magic behind the hoverboard lies in its four disc-shaped hover engines. These engines induce an opposing magnetic field in the surface substrate below that provides lift, levitating our board off the ground.

While our hoverboard is primarily intended to be self-propelled, the actions which stabilize it can also be used to drive it forward by altering the projected force on the surface underneath it.

Currently, this surface substrate needs to be a non-ferromagnetic conductor. Right now we use commonly available metals in simple sheets, but we are working on new compounds and new configurations to maximize our technology and minimize costs.

Until the hoverboard is within everyone's reach, we are offering the same technology in a small, accessible form factor - the Whitebox™ Developer Kit.

SPECS: (Approximate)

Dimensions: 10" x 10" x 5" (25cm x 25cm x 12cm)

Individual Engine Dimensions: 4.5" diameter x 2" high (11.5cm x 5cm)

Hover Height: 1/4" - 1/2" (1cm - 1.5cm)

Battery Life: 10-15 min

Charge Time: 1-2 hrs

Weight: 10-12 lbs (4.5 kg)

Payload: ~ 5 lbs (3 kg)

We kept the Whitebox as simple and affordable as we could to get our technology out into as many hands as possible.

It is designed to be explored, taken apart, and analyzed, encouraging you to dare to wonder.

We want to see what YOU can do with our technology. You can use it for hovering, or for applications we haven't even imagined.

The Whitebox+™ puts hover control and propulsion capabilities in your hands. It's operated through your mobile device (iPhone/Android). This control functionality contains advanced technology and hardware, so it's not designed so much with tinkering in mind. Powered by a set of rechargeable LiPo batteries, we integrate the charging system directly into the box. Right now we can give you 12-15 minutes of hover with a charge time of about 2 hours.

The Whitebox+™ has the ability to move forward and backward, left and right, and rotate around its axis. The app can even pre-program autonomous movements and "hover flight plans". And what's really cool - it can do a static start (that is, pop-up from a standstill when first turned on).

Feel like adding some extra visual oomph to the Whitebox? Check out these three new skins! More to follow, and if you have an idea for one let us know.

While one day we expect to have hoverboards that can effortlessly float over any medium (even water!), our current technology requires special types of surfaces.

Therefore, we need a hoverpark to go with our boards, and we have been busy designing a park befitting the awesomeness of our technology.

Hendo is driven by our supporters, backers, and collaborators that want to see a hoverpark come to life. So we're giving everyone an opportunity to be a part of the hoverpark by claiming a brick-sized piece of its surface.

When you reserve a brick we'll engrave your name on it and place it on our hoverpark surface. And on opening day you will see your name permanently etched into history, in the world's first hoverpark.

Ok, so you can't shred a halfpipe with one of these, but you can still show your support for Hendo with one of our Betaboards instead. The Betaboard is a smaller version of our hoverboard that floats on a magnetic base. It uses a a different type of levitation than our technology, based on electromagnetic stabilization. It cannot be moved around too quickly and needs to stay plugged in, but it's perfect for any desk and makes a great gift!

(In theory, the Betaboard should float forever, as long as it's plugged in and not disturbed too much. It holds about 8 ounces/200g.)

Levitation using magnets seems simple - just put one magnet over another, same poles facing, and the top one will float. Voila, right? Sadly, as we all find out (usually as heartbroken little kids) this never works. Due to something called Earnshaw's Theorem, a stable static equilibrium between two magnets is impossible. There have been a number of ways around this, but none have proven feasible enough for everyday applications. Until now.

Lenz’s law explains how eddy currents are created when magnets are moved relative to a conductive material. These eddy currents in turn create an opposing magnetic field in the conductor. Our core technology, which we call Magnetic Field Architecture (MFA™), focuses this field more efficiently.

You can go ahead and google both of these scientific principles, but to sum it up in regards to levitation: Lenz = Easy, Earnshaw = Hard.

Actual representation of magnetic flux without MFA; courtesy of NASA.

The Hendo Hoverboard is a first-step product, a precursor to the broader implementation of the world-changing technology of MFA. It enables a new generation of lift and motion technology that will change the way we view transportation. Additional applications for MFA technology are virtually limitless - from business, to industry, to healthcare, and beyond.

Unlike magnetic levitation systems employed today, our hover systems are comparably inexpensive and completely sustainable. Hovering modes of transportation are now possible and practical. Lifting a wide range of loads - whether it's a person riding a hoverboard (what we were all expecting) or a building riding out an earthquake (what we never imagined could be possible) - is all within reach.

Our goal is to create an ecosystem, together with you, of technologies that use Magnetic Field Architecture. We want to encourage the democratization of technology - first it was software, then hardware, and now we can give anyone with an internet connection access to the cutting edge of high technology.

You no longer need to be a researcher in a lab to make groundbreaking scientific discoveries that change the world.

Planes, trains, and automobiles. But that's just the start. It's clear how this hover technology can shift the current transportation paradigm, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a large range of industries that MFA™ and hover technology can dramatically disrupt and improve.

We have a number of applications in mind, with industries that range from warehouse operations, to building foundation improvements, to novel methods of electromechanical fluid separation.

But what really excites us are the possibilities of applications we have no idea even exist - from new ways to harness energy, to replacing specific pieces of equipment in manufacturing processes; from the ordinary, to the exotic.

Right up front, we will admit that our plans are big—and our dreams, bigger. Because we’re developing something that is truly, manifestly . . . revolutionary. Now don’t lose us on that clichéd promise of “revolutionary”. We are Hendo, give us a few paragraphs to make our case.

Seeing from an outsider's perspective, and thinking differently in general, is a definitional aspect of Hendo. Which brings us to our founder, Greg Henderson. Greg envisioned a way to employ an unexploited technology in ways others had not. He labeled this epiphany: Magnetic Field Architecture (MFA™). Then he trademarked and patented the hell out of the idea.

At an altruistic level, our technology has the ability to change the way we think about how communities are designed and built - from family homes, to hospital rooms, to factories, to skyscrapers. We can build structures such that, with the flip of a switch, they are lifted out of harm’s way. The potential ravages of earthquakes and floods will no longer hold sway over occupants of these buildings.

Now there’s a whole lot of breathtakingly-clever technology that goes on behind the scenes in this scenario, but the concept is quite simple . . . and quite real. It’s a big dream, we know. And it’s long term. But we believe in its possibility...and its promise. Join us.

We chose to launch with a Kickstarter campaign because we wanted the public to be an integral part of our story, as close to its genesis as possible. Our supporters not only have financial buy in, but an almost spiritual buy in as well, not just for the technology but for the ultimate vision of Hendo - a place where anyone with "naive daring" can approach the "impossible".

So we want to thank you for not only supporting our campaign, but also for joining us on this great endeavor. We look forward to building the future together!

We held off launching until all the pieces were in place to ensure we will deliver on our promises by the big day, October 21st 2015.

Risks and challenges

We have already built a working hoverboard, so the principle risk of not being able to deliver on our big promise is nil. However, there is the possibility we do not add as much functionality as we would like by the delivery date. That is why we are giving ourselves an entire year to perfect and produce the first design, so that by October 21st, 2015, we have an amazing product ready to be mass produced. The money raised will help hire the additional engineers, scientists and technicians, as well as provide the fixed capital we need, to ensure this happens.

Another risk is reward fulfillment. Fortunately, we have several experts in operations on the team, with over four decades of experience with companies such as GE, Western Digital, Thermo Fischer and Pfizer. All have worked with multinational supply chains. Plus we have two airborne Ranger qualified team members who get stuff done, period.

Although we will procure parts from a number of overseas suppliers, final assembly will be right here in Los Gatos, California. And we have planned out our fulfillment schedule in detail and have a number of partners to help us get our rewards in your hands when we say we will!

Lastly, our Whitebox margin is low, so there is the risk we make our ask but don’t have much left after fulfillment. However, one of our main goals of the campaign is to help seed this amazing ecosystem, so really the risk is we grow a bit slower than we (and the world) would like. It will certainly make it a bit more challenging to have everything ready by October 21 2015, but we are up for all challenges! Still, don’t disappoint the world, buy one of everything!

We want to remind all our backers that hovering objects may be potentially dangerous if used incorrectly. The hover engines included with the Whitebox and Whitebox+ are intended to support weights that are similar to the Whitebox and Whitebox+. The hoverboard should only be ridden if you feel like you have the necessary skill and fitness to attempt it. Additionally, the Whitebox, Whitebox+, and the Hoverboard should never be used in any way other than for their intended purposes. Operate with caution. You should comply with all warnings and instructions included with your reward upon its receipt. HENDO Hover and Arx Pax, LLC cannot be held liable for any damage that occurs during use of these rewards. You must be responsible for your own safety and well-being.

FAQ

Arx Pax developed the hover technology used in the Hendo Hoverboard and Whitebox Developer Kit. It also represents the ultimate vision of our team – the Hendo and Arx Pax team – a thriving family of technologies based on Magnetic Field Architecture, an ecosystem Arx Pax aims to nurture and grow. Hendo dares you to wonder. Arx Pax will take this daring to change the way we live, work and play.

Our hover engines have been measured at inducing over 2000A per cm2 in the substrate below. Amazingly, it is harmless. We’ve all put our phones on it, hands under it, tried everything to harm ourselves so you don’t - its safe...as long as you don’t get a finger between it and a ferromagnetic surface (i.e. anything a magnet sticks to) you’re fine. The technology focuses the magnetic field downwards, while the field on top of the board/box is negligible. We’ve measured it. And while we feel a person with a pacemaker could lie on our boards safely, we certainly recommend caution around our systems for those with implanted electrical devices.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $59 or more
About $59

NAME ETCHED INTO OUR HOVERPARK: Send us your name, short message or a company logo and we'll make you a part of history. We'll etch it into our Hendo Hoverpark surface. You will also get a T-Shirt and Sticker/Magnet Combo.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

HENDO HOVERBOARD RIDE: A 5 minute hoverboard ride just to get a feel for it. This can be redeemed at our Silicon Valley area location, or potentially at a hoverpark near you in the future. We can start offering rides in March 2015, however we will need reservations a month in advance. More details to follow for the backers! You will also get a T-Shirt and Sticker/Magnet Combo.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $149 or more
About $149

LEVITATING HOVERBOARD DISPLAY: We call it our "Beta-board". Long story about the name, but more importantly its our concept production hoverboard on an appropriately levitating display. You will also get a T-Shirt and Sticker/Magnet Combo.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $299 or more
About $299

THE WHITEBOX™ DEVELOPER KIT: A Hendo hover engine set, and enough surface to hover it on. All yours to marvel at. You can even remove the engines and try hovering something of your own design and, beyond that, come up with other novel uses for Magnetic Field Architecture (MFA™). You will also get a T-Shirt and Sticker/Magnet Combo.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $349 or more
About $349

WHITEBOX™ WITH A SKIN: Same awesome hover engines, but with a nicely designed skin for your viewing enjoyment. More skins to follow, and let us know your ideas! You will also get a T-Shirt and Sticker/Magnet Combo.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $449 or more
About $449

FULL-SIZED REPLICA HENDO HOVERBOARD: Display it how you like - prominently on a wall, proudly on a stand, just don't throw it in the basement or attic! Note that there are no hover engines in it! You will also get a T-Shirt and Sticker/Magnet Combo.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $949 or more
About $949

THE WHITEBOX+™ WITH A SKIN: If white is a bit too drab for you, spruce it up with a skin for some added personality. More skins to follow, and let us know what you want to see! You will also get a T-Shirt and Sticker/Magnet Combo.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

COACH AND RIDE: An extended hoverboard ride with one hour of private coaching by team Hendo hoverboarders. Must be redeemed at our facility in Silicon Valley. We can start offering these sessions in March and require one month of advance notice to plan. You will also get a T-Shirt and Sticker/Magnet Combo.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,000 or more
About $2,000

VIP PASS TO OUR 10/21/2015 EVENT: All-access pass with lots of Hoverboard time. You'll get a chance to rub elbows with some famous people and eat the great food in the back. You can even schmooze behind the scenes with the Hendo creative team. You will also get a T-Shirt and Sticker/Magnet Combo.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

MEET THE HENDO TEAM: Be part of the inspiration and vision by immersing yourself with the Hendo Hoverboard team. Get one-on-ones with Greg, Engineers, and Tippi (our office dog!). We'll fly you roundtrip, put you in a hotel for two nights and show you around town as well. We can start these in March, and will need you to reserve at least two months in advance. Also, we can only fly you from a US airport. You will also get a T-Shirt and Sticker/Magnet Combo, VIP access to our Hover event on 10/21/2015, and I'm sure a bunch of other cool stuff from Hendo/Arx Pax HQ.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $10,000
About $10,000

THE HENDO HOVERBOARD: All yours - you will own one of the world's first 10 production hoverboards. Smile widely as you glide past scores of envious faces. You will be presented the hoverboard at our 10/21/2015 event, where you will have VIP access (well, you'll actually be a VIP). However, you can also come to Hendo HQ to pick it up in person after that date, or we will arrange to have it delivered to you. And yes, of course you get a T-Shirt and Magnets/Stickers as well.